I want to be proactive about my health. What preventive services should I be taking advantage of with Medicare?

Question

Christopher Garcia · Accepted Answer

medicare has a standardized list of preventive services that are covered as well as as a standard frequency when you should be getting these screenings. Your summary of benefits should have a list of these in your preventive services section. Sometimes the frequency can vary based on medical history and necessity. It’s important to work with your doctor to determine if your screening should be done more frequently than the standard.

Answered by Christopher Garcia on April 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in NM, AZ, CO & TX

Answered by Christopher Garcia Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

Annual physicals, all screenings and immunizations.
Annual cancer screenings,
Blood work and labs.
Always check with your Doctor to see what options he recommends each year

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

I would absolutely do the yearly wellness exam to start with. Medicare Advantage plans offer "incentives" for people who are willing to be proactive with preventative services, join gyms, etc.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

There is a list of preventative services on Medicare.gov.  Of course your annual physical, exercise and diet.

Tasha Riggs · Answer

All of them!!! Look at your brochure for your plan. I would get all my preventive that fits who I am and get it all done. Its worth it!

Nick Mangini · Answer

You should get a Medigap plan at 65!  This way you never have to worry about your coverage and you can see ANY Medicare doctor nationwide!  You should not get a Medicare Advantage plan!

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

All the applicable screening and preventive tests offered by Medicare shouls be taken. For example:
1. Diabetes screening
2. Bone Density Screening
3. Annual Physical
4. Mammogram
5. Colonoscopy

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

Medicare offers a 'new to Medicare' physical and after that usually some form of annual 'Wellness Exam'. It's important when scheduling a 'wellness exam' to make sure the doctor knows you want a 'wellness exam', not a 'physical'. Most Medicare Advantage plans will cover some form of wellness exam annually.

Answered by Jennifer McDonnell on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in MI, AZ, CA & 10 other states

Answered by Jennifer McDonnell Medicare Insurance Agent

Dino Pappadis · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover routine annual physical exams. 

However, it fully covers a "Welcome to Medicare" visit (within 12 months of signing up) and a free Annual Wellness Visit every 12 months to create a personalized prevention plan, which includes health assessments, risk factors, and screenings. 

The annual Wellness Visit is not a "hands-on" physical exam (e.g., no blood pressure check or listening to heart) but a review of your health history and a customized plan.

The Annual Wellness Visit is free if your provider accepts assignment.

Routine Physicals: You will pay 100% out-of-pocket for a traditional, comprehensive physical exam.

Howeverif you enroll in a Private Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) your plan may cover annual physicals, so you should check with your specific plan.

Wait Time: You are eligible for an annual wellness visit after you have had Part B for at least 12 months.

Ezel McIntee · Answer

Medicare covers a variety of preventive services to help you stay healthy, including annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, vaccines, and screenings for diabetes, heart disease, and bone health. Taking advantage of these services can help catch health issues early and keep you proactive about your well-being.

Answered by Ezel McIntee on October 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Ezel McIntee Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Tretola · Answer

I would suggest speaking with your Primary Care 
Doctor and follow their direction for age and sex appropriate screening
and preventive procedures. Medicare covers many important tests, etc., and 
it is always a good idea to stay on top of one's health.

Frank Carta · Answer

What preventative services do you have now? What concerns do you have related to your health? Medicare Advantage plans cover all services that Medicare A and B cover and Medigap
covers most.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Take advantage of the extra services provided to you by your plan. Most medicare advatage plans include some Nutrition education courses, as well as good health maintanance classes and gym membership. Take advantage of preventive services covered and get your annual check ups done as well.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Terry Salak · Answer

Medicare covers MANY preventative services to those eligible for benefits.  Please refer to the attached document for a full list as there are a few that differ between men and women.

https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10110-your-guide-to-medicare-preventive-services.pdf

Donald Elliott · Answer

See your primary care physician early each calendar year for a consultation and review. Your doctor might recognize issues that physical therapy can help to increase strength and balance. Also many inoculations, prescription care reviews

Answered by Donald Elliott on December 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL, GA & MS

Answered by Donald Elliott Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandy Nelson-Tittsworth, CMIP · Answer

I would recommend an annual physical exam which you can set up through your primary care doctor most are zero dollar co-pay and a zero for the lab work. 

Get an assessment and they will set you up with preventative mammography or preventative colonoscopy.

Ron Hamilton · Answer

Great question.  Medicare offers a wide range of services to identify potential medical issues and most of them are at no charge.

1.  Make sure you get your annual physical and/or wellness check with your PCP
2.  Take advantage of vaccinations
      -  Flu Shot
      - Covid Shot
      -  Shingles shot

3.  Be aware of Screenings and Testing available
      -  Breast Cancer mammograms every 12 months
      -  Pap tests, pelvic exams
      -  Colonoscopies
      -  Bone density test
      -  Hepatitis C screening

4.   Take advantage of fitness programs like Silver Sneakers.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for reaching out.

Glenn Quinn · Answer

Medicare provides a range of preventive services to help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, and prevent certain diseases. These services are covered by Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). 
Key Preventive Services Covered by Medicare:**
Wellness Visits: Including a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" visit and annual "Wellness" visits to review health history and create prevention plans. Note that these are not full physical exams.
Screenings: Medicare covers various screenings for conditions such as cancer (colorectal, breast, cervical, vaginal, prostate, lung), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, glaucoma, abdominal aortic aneurysm, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vaccinations: Covered vaccinations include flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, pneumococcal shots, and Hepatitis B shots. Shingles and Tdap shots are covered under Medicare Part D.
Counseling and Therapies: Services include counseling for tobacco use, alcohol misuse, medical nutrition therapy for certain conditions, and behavioral therapy for obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Other Services: Bone mass measurements for those at high risk for osteoporosis and the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for individuals at high risk for diabetes are also covered. 
Important Notes:
You generally pay nothing for most preventive services if the provider accepts Medicare assignment.
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but may have different rules and network restrictions.
Consult your doctor to determine which preventive services are appropriate for you. 
Utilizing these covered services can help you proactively manage your health and potentially detect health issues early.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services to help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, and manage existing conditions. In most cases, if your healthcare provider accepts Medicare, these services are fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

With Medicare, you can use preventive services like annual wellness visits, vaccines, and screenings: Original Medicare covers these, Medicare Advantage adds extra benefits like dental and vision, and Medigap only helps pay gaps in Original Medicare.

Answered by Mary Brown on March 30, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Medicare Part B covers a wide range of preventive services -  most at no cost to you - to help you stay healthy, catch problems early, and manage risks. Annual Wellness Visits: One-time visit within the first 12 months of enrolling in Part B. Yearly Wellness Visit: Personalized prevention plan based on your health and risk factors. Medicare covers many preventive screenings, including: Colorectal cancer screening; Mammograms; Prostate cancer screening; Diabetes screening; Cardiovascular disease screening; Lung Cancer screening; Depression screening; and HIV and STI screenings. 
Vaccinations: Covered under Part B and Part D depending on the vaccine: Flu shot (annually) COVID-19 vaccine and boosters; Hepatitis B (if at risk) Shingles vaccine (covered under Part D)

Carol Thompson · Answer

There are a long list of preventative services that are available to you. Your pcp will assist you with those tests.

Mark Boone · Answer

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services to help you stay healthy, detect health problems early, and manage existing conditions. In most cases, if your healthcare provider accepts Medicare, these services are fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

William Murray · Answer

Without knowing anything about you, I would have to say, "all of them."
Especially those you are most curious about or if you have a hint of something going on.
Also, preventative services which help relieve your concerns about familial medical history.

Chuck Winslow · Answer

Covered Preventive Services with Medicare Part B:

1. "Welcome to Medicare" Visit (First 12 Months)

One-time check-up to review your health, risk factors, and future screenings.


2. Annual Wellness Visit (Yearly)

A personalized prevention plan to update screenings and manage health goals.


3. Screenings (Usually Once a Year or as Recommended):

Mammogram (Breast cancer)

Colorectal cancer screening (includes colonoscopy and stool tests)

Lung cancer screening (for high-risk individuals)

Prostate cancer screening

Cardiovascular disease screening

Diabetes screening

Depression screening

Bone density test (osteoporosis)


4. Vaccinations:

Flu shot (yearly)

Pneumonia shot

Hepatitis B (for those at higher risk)

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters (as recommended)


5. Additional Services:

Smoking cessation counseling

Obesity counseling

Nutrition therapy (for diabetes or kidney disease)

Glaucoma tests (for high-risk individuals)



---

Most of these are free if your provider accepts Medicare. Staying up to date on these can make a big difference in staying independent and active.

Peggy Elliott · Answer

Dental vision hearing aids physicals are all
Available with Medicare advantage. And once you’ve satisfied your maximum out of pocket amount, which rarely happens, you’ll be paying $0.

Silvana Peacock · Answer

Medicare offers a wide range of preventive services that are often covered at no cost like:
mammograms, diabetes, colorectal cancer screening, flu shots. I always encourage my clients to schedule their yearly check ups.

Wild Bill Anderson · Answer

Plans have many preventative test to catch things small.  
For Men: PSA, blood test with glucose, liver enzymes, cardio and immunity screening are important. Also a Colonoscopy every 10 years if you are not high risk, every 5 years if you have had polyps or family prostate issues.

For Woman: have a yearly mammogram. Also the blood test has indicated above from men and a colonoscopy. Thyroid may also be an issue so ask about testing.

Everyone should get a yearly checkup to see if you need a tuneup. Prevention is always best but catching things small is important too!

Angela Wainright · Answer

Medicare covers a variety of preventive services, including an annual wellness visit and screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and cervical cancers, among others. It also provides coverage for vaccines like the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia shots. However, it is important to note that Medicare does not cover routine physical exams, nor does it include routine vision, dental, or hearing exams. Due to these limitations, many individuals opt for additional coverage, such as standalone dental, vision, and hearing policies or Medicare Advantage plans, depending on their specific needs.

Answered by Angela Wainright on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in MN, AZ & ND

Answered by Angela Wainright Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Wetsel · Answer

Annual wellness visits every 12 months, as well as many preventative screenings such as Mammogram and Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Also many adult vaccines are covered as a preventative measure.

Dominic Colonero · Answer

I would always do your yearly wellness exam. There are other preventive services such as screenings for various cancers and conditions, immunizations, and counseling on topics like tobacco use. I would go to the medicare.gov website for a full list of preventive services. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

Answered by Dominic Colonero on November 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & IL

Answered by Dominic Colonero Medicare Insurance Agent

Annette Newman · Answer

"Welcome to Medicare" 

Annual Wellness Visit (AWV): Once you’ve had Part B for 12 months, you are eligible for this yearly check-in. This isn't a "head-to-toe" physical; instead, your doctor will develop or update a Personalized Prevention Plan, assess your cognitive health (to look for early signs of dementia), and review your risk for falls or depression.

2. Essential Screenings (Usually $0 Cost)
Depending on your gender and medical history, Medicare covers several screenings to detect chronic conditions early:

Cardiovascular: Blood tests for cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides every 5 years.

Cancer Screenings: * Mammograms: Once every 12 months.

Colorectal: Options include colonoscopies (every 10 years for average risk), stool-based tests, or the newly expanded coverage for CT colonography.

Prostate: Annual PSA blood tests (the digital rectal exam may have a small copay).

Cervical: Pap tests and pelvic exams every 24 months (every 12 months if high risk).

Diabetes: Up to two screenings per year if you have risk factors like high blood pressure or obesity.

Bone Mass: Bone density scans every 24 months for those at risk of osteoporosis.

3. Vaccinations
Medicare helps keep you protected from seasonal and long-term illnesses:

Flu Shot: One per flu season.

Pneumococcal (Pneumonia): Usually once in a lifetime, though some may need a second dose.

COVID-19: All recommended doses and boosters.

Shingles & Tdap: As of 2023, these are covered at no cost under Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans).

Mark Mullinax · Answer

There are several preventive services offered in most medicare plans. I would suggest working with an agent to find out what services are offered and then working with your primary care physician to determine which of those you are due for and need. I would then begin a regular health screening and follow the guidelines of the physician's recommendations.

Answered by Mark Mullinax on December 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, FL & NC, SC, TN & TX

Answered by Mark Mullinax Medicare Insurance Agent

Lawanda Radford · Answer

Hi, that’s a great question. Medicare covers many preventive services to help you stay healthy. I would recommend getting your free Annual Wellness Visit each year, plus screenings for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Medicare also covers important vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and shingles. Talk to your doctor to see which services are right for you. Hope this information helps.

Answered by Lawanda Radford on May 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA, AZ, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Lawanda Radford Medicare Insurance Agent

Roarke Andrews · Answer

Going in for your annual physical/wellness exam is a great start to be proactive with taking care of your health as well as giving your provider an oppurtunity to keep track of your health from year to year.

Answered by Roarke Andrews on October 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Roarke Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Joel Montilla, Esq. · Answer

Exercising and receiving credit for doing so, if your plan offers it, and nutrition. Monitor your progress every year, year after year.

Chelsea Reeves · Answer

Medicare gives you some helpful preventive perks, like a free yearly wellness visit, insightful screenings, and important vaccines, all meant to help catch little problems before they turn into big ones. Staying on top of those visits is just a simple way to take care of yourself and keep feeling your best for years to come.

Answered by Chelsea Reeves on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA & MS

Answered by Chelsea Reeves Medicare Insurance Agent

Barry Kelly · Answer

Staying healthy starts with prevention. If you have Traditional Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, you may qualify for a variety of preventive services — often at no cost to you!

These may include:
Annual wellness visits
 Flu and pneumonia shots
 Screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
 Routine lab work and preventive counseling

Regular preventive care helps you detect issues early and maintain your best health year-round.  Contact your agent and they can help you understand which benefits your plan offers.

I want to be proactive about my health. What preventive services should I be taking advantage of with Medicare?

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